7 Essential Barista Tools You Must Have
So you've got a shiny new espresso machine and grinder in your kitchen.
Other than the coffee you're going to need some cool gear to get you making the best bangers and flatties you've ever had!!
1. Tamper
First on the list is a coffee tamper. Once you grind your coffee into your brewing handle, this coffee needs to be flattened and compressed. Otherwise, the water will flow through too fast. Tampers come in a range of shapes and sizes. Use a ruler to measure the top of your metal filter basket and take away around 3-4mm. The most common size is 58mm, so if you measure around this then safest to go with 58mm base.
2. Knock Box
This is a dedicated bin to knock your used coffee into. Perfect for use with your brewing handle and great if you want to recycle or compost the coffee grounds.
See our range of Coffee Knock boxes here
3. Milk Jug
Can't make a flattie without a pitcher to steam the milk in. Id suggest getting 2 non-stick pitchers. One in 12oz and the other in 20oz.
See our range of Milk Pitchers here
4. Thermometer
Nothing worse than scorched milk. The ideal temperature is around 55-65c, take the guesswork out with a simple thermometer.
See our range of Thermometers here
5. Scales
Scales will be useful to make sure you're grinding and adding the correct amount of coffee to your basket. Also use them to accurately weigh your shots as they come out, much more accurate than sight or time.
6. Shot Glass
Great if the height under your handle is limited or if you like to split your shots. Also to check the volume of espresso you've just poured.
See our range of Shot Glasses here
7. Cleaning Brush and Cloth
Once you're done you need to clean. This is really 7 and 8 but we ran out of numbers! The Pallo brush is great to clean the group head while flushing. The Cloth Set is perfect for wiping steam wands and keeping the espresso machine nice and clean.
See our range of Cleaning Products here
The 7 tools will help you get the best out your espresso machine. Enjoy!